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March 13, 2026

Centreville Spy

Nonpartisan and Education-based News for Centreville

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Move Over Sports Betting By Angela Rieck

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Betting has become a national pastime. Each sports-related show includes a segment touting best bets. ESPN even offers a show dedicated to sports betting. All televised sporting events feature advertising by FanDuel, Fanatics Sportsbook, Draft Kings, Caesars, or other Sportsbooks. Most NFL teams sponsor a betting site. 

But now there is a new game in town, predictive markets. Individuals bet on binary (yes or no) predictions, that can range from “Will Trump win the Presidency?” to “Will Gobble be the turkey pardoned in the annual Thanksgiving Presidential pardon.” Bets can include words Trump uses in a speech, “Will he use the word stuffing?” to “Will a certain leader wear a suit?” “Will ‘X’ win Best Actor in the Academy awards?”.

Predictive market bets are based on politics, culture, and sports. But, by far most bets are sports bets.

Online sports betting was made possible by two Supreme Court decisions in 2018. The Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) and allowed each state to enforce its own sports betting laws. At the same time, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of a New Jersey law allowing sports gambling. To date, almost 40 states and the District of Columbia have legalized some form of sports betting. But companies that are in the predictions market can also include sports gambling, allowing those whose states do not allow gambling to gamble using sites such as Kalshi and Polymarket.

In 2024, it was estimated that $150 billion was gambled on sports. An estimated 50 million people bet $16 billion on last year’s Super Bowl. Fifty-five percent of adults engaged in some form of gambling in 2024. In the predictive markets arena, Polymarket has almost 500,000 online active users and Kalshi has almost 2 million.

At present, only one Sportsbook has reported a profit, but this is believed to be due to the cost of customer acquisition. Online betting is more flexible and easier to access than illegal bookies. The revenue potential is beyond prediction.

To be successful, the predictive and sports betting markets must set the arbitrage precisely. Sites make their money by booking the losses and charging a percentage fee from the winnings. 

While predictive markets are binary bets (yes or no), sports bets fall into several categories. The simplest is win/lose (betting on which team will win). Another well-known bet is the point spread (for example, the Patriots were 4½ point favorites in the NFL playoffs). 

A popular binary bet is called over/under. Gamblers bet if the total number of points will exceed or go under a number set by the Sportsbook (e.g., if 30 points is the over/under for a game, gamblers can bet that the total points from both teams will be over 30—called over or less than 30—called under) 

Some bettors choose is a future bet, for example, betting on which team will win the Super Bowl early in the season.

The most unusual sports bets are prop bets. They are limited only by the imagination. For example, you can bet the color of the Gatorade in the Superbowl, the number of receptions for a particular receiver, the total number of yards gained by a team, etc. Prop bets can be anything associated with the game.

For seasoned and frugal gamblers, parlay bets combine two or more wagers into a single bet. Parlays are popular because there are bigger payouts while risking less money. The number of legs (bets) in a parlay and the odds attached to each of those legs determine the winnings. 

Predictive markets bet on anything that can include politics, sports and culture. For example: “Will the United States confirm that aliens exist?”. An enormous concern is with insider trading. It is virtually impossible to determine if a bet was due to insider trading (for example, one person made a considerable amount of money betting that we would capture the president of Venezuela long before we did it). 

What makes online betting unique is both the breadth of possible bets and online access. You can even bet on a game while it is happening. Online gambling websites are capable of recalculating odds in real time.

But the question that always follows is, what is the risk of this betting?

Short answer: it is a problem. A recent study found a correlation between easy access to sports and predictive market gambling and significant declines in credit scores, increases in bankruptcies, debts, and missed loan payments. As predictive market betting grows, this will only increase.

Many experts are concerned about the rise in gambling addiction, especially among young people. In 2024, an estimated 2.5 million U.S. adults suffered from severe gambling addiction, with an additional 5 to 8 million experiencing mild-to-moderate, or “problem” gambling behaviors. Roughly 10% of men aged 18–30 exhibit signs of problem gambling.

One thing that we do know is that the country is not prepared for a gambling addiction crisis. NIH (National Institutes of Health) has agencies dedicated to alcohol and drug use, but none for problem gambling, and there are no federal regulations for sports betting advertising (e.g., tobacco). 

So, for now, we have to watch and wonder. Is this merely a form of entertainment or a potential looming crisis? 

Angela Rieck, a Caroline County native, received her PhD in Mathematical Psychology from the University of Maryland and worked as a scientist at Bell Labs, and other high-tech companies in New Jersey before retiring as a corporate executive. Angela and her dogs divide their time between St Michaels and Key West Florida. Her daughter lives and works in New York City.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Moore’s Budget Fixes Current Deficit, but Analysts Pessimistic about Future

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Gov. Wes Moore’s (D) $70.8 billion spending plan unveiled last week closes a more than $1.5 billion deficit for fiscal 2027 but does little to ease projected future budget pain, lawmakers were told Monday.

In the first analysis of Moore’s budget, Department of Legislative Services budget analyst David Romans told members of the Senate Budget and Taxation and House Appropriations committees Monday afternoon that the proposal “makes some progress” but still leaves billions in structural gaps over the next four years.

“I think this budget is a lot less complex than last year, likely less controversial than last year, but it does accomplish the spending affordability committee goals that were set,” Romans said. “So, it does make some progress.”

The budget, the fourth of Moore’s current term, increases funding for education, housing, and police initiatives. It also closes a $1.5 billion gap without new taxes or fees. But the plan leaves multibillion-dollar shortfalls looming in out years.

“It improves the structural outlook, certainly for fiscal ’27 and ’28 as well,” Romans said. “However, it does not make substantial progress for fiscal ’28 and beyond. So, we still face very substantial and challenging shortfalls in the out years that will likely be left to the next term to try to resolve.”

In December, the Joint Spending Affordability Committee recommended limiting the structural deficit to $600 million. Moore’s proposed budget exceeded that request.

Even so, the outlook over the next four years is “pessimistic.”

In the next term, the General Assembly and governor will have to deal with a $2.3 billion shortfall. That gap widens again, this time to about $3 billion in fiscal 2029. By fiscal 2031, the gap is projected to be $4.1 billion.

In addition to the costs that will be imposed on future budgets by the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, the state’s sweeping, decade-long education reform plan, the growing deficit will be driven in coming years by rising employee salaries and benefits, teacher retirement, and human services spending.

Not included in that outlook are potential lawsuit settlements related to the Child Victims Act, a 2023 law that lifted the 20-year statute of limitations for public and private entities accused of sexual abuse, essentially allowing victims to file suit at any time. If all the current suits that have been filed against the state under the law were settled for the maximum amount, the state could face a bill of almost $10.7 billion.

“It’s probably not something you’re going to have to deal with this session, but the Child Victims Act remains out there,” Romans said.

There are roughly 12,000 claims filed against the state, each with a potential maximum liability of $890,000. The potential liability equals almost 40% of the fiscal 2027 general fund budget.

The budget increases state aid to local governments by $370.5 million, or 3.2% over the current year. Of that, $359 million is earmarked for public education.

But not all the news is good for local governments.

Local health grants are flat-funded at $115 million.

And Moore proposed making local governments pick up 50% of the increased retirement costs for K-12 education, community colleges and libraries, an estimated $39 million tab for local governments to pick up.

Funding for local governments will be cut by about $27.2 million, driven mostly by reductions in the disparity grant. That money is sent to counties with lower-than-average per capita income tax revenues.

Prince George’s County will see a reduction of nearly $18 million. Allegany County will take a $6.3 million hit.

That cut comes as Allegany County continues to rebuild after a historic flood last spring that hit the communities of Midland, Lonaconing and Westernport particularly hard. The Federal Emergency Management Agency denied the state’s request for more than $33 million in relief aid.

Moore’s budget proposes $12 million for county infrastructure repairs related to the storm.

by Bryan P. Sears, Maryland Matters
January 27, 2026

Maryland Matters is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Maryland Matters maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Steve Crane for questions: [email protected].

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Design with Jenn Martella: Waterfront Haven

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Custom-home nestled in cozy clearing, with views of tranquil Harris Creek and deep-water access.

I always enjoy featuring a house in my neighborhood and this custom designed house is nestled in a clearing, surrounded by mature trees. There are only a few houses along this short lane so peace and privacy is ensured for the residents. This house’s rear yard gently slopes down to tranquil Harris Creek, where a private pier with boat lift and deep-water access awaits boating, paddle boarding or kayaking enthusiasts.  

The rear elevation of the house opens up to the water with multiple windows and a screened porch. My neighbors are the second owners of the property and have made extensive improvements so this house is move-in ready!

L-shaped layout and circular driveway ensures major rooms enjoy serene water views.

A circular driveway off the lane leads to this traditional style house with an “L” shape so the major rooms have water views.  The service wing of the two-car garage, mud room and laundry completes the house’s compact footprint for minimal disturbance of the site.  Multiple gables and the varied heights of the roof ridges break down the massing.

Enhanced pool area features a saltwater conversion, terrace, fire pit, and cozy screened porch.

The previous owners added a pool and deck whose location had to conform to the Critical Area setbacks. The current owners converted the pool to salt water and they also enhanced the pool area with several modifications. Steps lead from the deck that blend into a terrace of random sized pavers with both an area for a table and chairs for al-fresco dining  and also a circular fire pit area. An outer ring of a low wall for seating and Adirondack chairs can accommodate a group around the firepit for conversation and watching the wildlife that share this property. The gas firepit makes this a special place to be enjoyed throughout the year. The current owners also added the cozy outdoor room of the screened porch for respite from the sun after an afternoon in the pool or on the water. 

Large terrace easily accommodates gatherings with deep, safe treads leading to al fresco dining and a fire pit.

This view of the terrace shows how easily its large size could accommodate outdoor family celebrations or parties. The deep treads are safer to use for all ages, especially when one is carrying large platters of food. 

Strategically placed loungers offer relaxation and panoramic views from the slightly elevated pool area.

Chairs and chaise lounges are strategically placed around the pool area that is slightly elevated for relaxing and enjoying the views across the water. The trees’ lack of density also maximizes the views of the water.  

Spacious two-story foyer with direct vistas to Harris Creek and refined red oak hardwood floors.

The front door opens into a spacious two-story foyer. I stood and admired the  direct vista through the house’s rear wall infilled with French doors to the opposite shoreline of Harris Creek. I admired the mix of the modern side table opposite the rich wood of the antique hat-umbrella rack and how the off-white walls highlight the beautiful red oak hardwood floors found throughout the house. The foyer’s wide wall opening leads to the open plan living-dining area. 

Behind a pair of French doors, this versatile room serves as a formal dining space or a large office.

At the side wall of the foyer, a pair of French doors open into this room that could be a formal dining room or a large office as the current owners use it.

The open-plan living-dining area features ample seating, a large Oriental rug, and French doors with sidelights.

The open plan living-dining area has ample seating, anchored by the large Oriental rug, for gathering around the fire and/or watching TV. Pairs of French doors with full height sidelights offer views of the pool and the water beyond. The dining table can be fully extended as shown for holidays or other family celebrations.

Bespoke millwork and versatile table placement allow seamless transitions from casual meals to entertaining.

Without leaves, the dining table reverts to its smaller oval version for everyday meals. Bespoke millwork recessed into the interior wall and the long countertop  create ample room for both mixing drinks and also setting out trays of appetizers for entertaining. The glass fronts of the upper cabinets showcase crystal and glassware and add transparency to the wall. 

A gourmet kitchen with high-end appliances, granite countertops, and a large island for multiple functions.

The current owners’ beautifully appointed kitchen is a cook’s dream with its Kitchen- Aid appliances, granite countertops, butler’s pantry, dry bar and an oversized island with seating. The space is open to both the dining area and another seating area for water views.  

The bow-shaped “Snug” offers panoramic water views and easy access to the pool and fire pit.

My fave room is this “Snug” off the kitchen area, with its bow-shaped rear wall that offers panoramic views of the water. Both the single French door and pair of French doors create an easy indoor-outdoor flow to the pool, terrace and firepit. The “Snug” is a delightful space for that second cup of coffee to start one’s day or for guests to keep the cook company while he/she prepares a meal. 

A corridor behind the kitchen leads to the two-car garage, pantry, powder room, and laundry.

Behind the kitchen is a double loaded corridor connecting the kitchen to the two-car- garage. Opposite this pantry is a powder room and beyond is the laundry and an extension of the pantry with cabinetry for more storage and a second R/F. At the end of the hall is a door leading to a bonus room that is a great mud room/pet bathing space. 

The two-car garage is divided into two bays with a demising wall so one bay could be a workshop. The bay nearest the mud room has a stair to access the attic storage area.

A cozy den with a gas fireplace, leather sofa, and access to the screened porch through French doors.

After exploring part of the main level, I returned to the foyer to explore the bedroom wing. On the other side of the living room is this a cozy den with a gas fireplace and TV. I could well imagine sinking into the plush leather sofa for an evening of binge watching Netflix’s line-up for the evening. The pair of French doors and full sidelight provide both water views and access to the adjacent screened porch.

The screened porch provides panoramic views across the pool to the water beyond.

The current owners added the cozy screened porch with its panoramic views across the pool to the landscape and water beyond.

This ensuite guest bedroom features soothing earth tones and blue accents for a restful stay.

At the front of the bedroom wing of the house is an ensuite bedroom with everything a guest would require. The headboard is the perfect height for leaning back and reading before bed. The interior design of the earth tones and the blue accents of the bedding creates a soothing space for sleep. 

A serene retreat with water views, a fireplace, and access to the screened porch and pool deck.

The spacious primary ensuite is located at the quiet rear corner of the house. The double unit window for water views and the single windows flanking the bed provide ample daylight. The single French door provides access to the adjacent screened porch and its door to the pool deck. The fireplace and TV make this space a serene retreat. The finishing touch is the pet door to the screened porch for the owners’ cat.  

The updated primary bath features a walk-in closet, dual sinks, a coffee station, and ample natural light.

The current owners updated both baths in this wing of the house. The primary bath is next to a long walk-in closet so the bathroom arrangement easily accommodates dual lavatories and a window seat with storage below. The free-standing millwork has open shelves for easy access to towels and a recessed area  outfitted with a coffee maker and mugs to jump start one’s day. The angled glass door of the shower meets the wall of the toilet compartment and a  window in the side wall filters daylight into both the toilet compartment and the shower. Behind the shower is a large linen closet in the hall between the two bedroom ensuites for easy access.  

A cozy guest room with an antique daybed, colorful pillows, and water views.

I retraced my steps back to the foyer to explore the second floor’s three additional bedrooms, a full bath, and a welcoming family room that provide comfortable accommodations for both family and guests.  This cozy room with a daybed has great appeal for its antique frame, colorful pillows and the chair and ottoman for reading before bedtime. The double-unit window provides bird’s eye views of the water. 

Tucked under a gable wall, this spacious room combines a sleeping and sitting area with warm earth tones.

If I were lucky enough to be a guest, I would claim this spacious room tucked under the gable wall and two knee walls with both a sleeping area and a sitting area and for its interior design of warm earth tones. The two other bedrooms share a hall bath. 

The large recreation room offers versatile spaces for ping pong, puzzles, and seating areas for family enjoyment.

Another gable wall encloses the large recreation room for rainy or snow days for a ping pong match or my fave diversion, doing a puzzle on the side table. Around the room, access panels lead to storage under the eaves.

As a neighbor, I am naturally biased about my quiet neighborhood with one access street and several short lanes that branch off of it-perfect for long walks, biking or walking one’s dog. The current owners’ additions of the screened porch, terrace and firepit are delightful outdoor rooms with easy indoor-outdoor flow to commune with nature and wildlife. Their updates of the gourmet kitchen and main floor baths greatly enhance the main floor one-level living arrangement. Bedrooms on both floors easily accommodate guests.  This waterfront property on a quiet lane with the main floor ‘s one-level living layout is hard to resist!

For more information about this property, contact Kathy Christensen, Vice-President with TTR Sotheby’s International Realty at 410-673-3344 (o), 410-924-4814 (c) or [email protected]. For more photographs and pricing, visit  www.kathychristensen.com ,“Equal Housing Opportunity.”

 Photography by Janelle Stroop, Thru the Lens, 410-310-6838, [email protected].       

Contributor Jennifer Martella has pursued dual careers in architecture and real estate since she moved to the Eastern Shore in 2004. She has reestablished her architectural practice for residential and commercial projects and is a real estate agent for Meredith Fine Properties. She especially enjoys using her architectural expertise to help buyers envision how they could modify a potential property. Her Italian heritage led her to Piazza Italian Market, where she hosts wine tastings every Friday and Saturday afternoons.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Looking at the Masters: The National Gallery of Art, Washington DC

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The National Gallery of Art (NGA) in Washington DC is one of the world’s finest museums. The collection contains works from the early Italian Renaissance through contemporary art. Masterpieces in the NGA will be the subject of a series of articles during 2026. 

The NGA collection of early Renaissance art is one of the best in the world.  Here are some examples.

“Enthroned Madonna and Child” (1260-80)

“Enthroned Madonna and Child” (1260-80) (32’’x20’’), one of the oldest paintings in the museum, is an excellent example of the Byzantine style. The subject is the Hodegetria Madonna ”one who shows the way.” Mary looks at, points to, and presents her son, and the Christ child raises his hand in blessing. The image is believed to be similar to a painting of Mary and the Christ child attributed to St Luke. They are seated on a gilded wood throne that is set in a golden heavenly space and surrounded by archangels. Byzantine images of Mary were called Theotokos (Mother of God). The Byzantine emperors sent hundreds of these icons to Christian Europe. The icons also were exported as luxury items.

Icons were regarded as written, not painted. The icon painter went through several levels of spiritual preparation, including prayer, fasting, and meditation, because he was opening a window to Heaven. God was the true artist. The image was purposefully slanted earthward as if coming from Heaven to the viewer. The icon painter had no thought of perspective that would take the viewer into an earthly world. The bodies of the subjects were clothed with gold shot drapery in elaborate patterns. Faces and hands were repainted to appear more natural after the Italian painters began to depict physical reality.

What inspired Italian Renaissance artists to think beyond the then current Byzantine icon? The Roman Catholic Church had venerated Mary since the 3rd Century, and the Edict of Milan (313 CE) permitted the worship of Mary. During the Middle Ages, Mary’s image was softened as she was accorded the role of intercessor next to Christ at the Last Judgment. New churches built in the Middle Ages were named after the Virgin Mary.

“Madonna and Child” (1290)

The NGA’s “Madonna and Child” (1290) (13.5”x10”) is thought to be by Cimabue (Cenni de Pepi, c.1240-1302). He was the first major Florentine painter to depart from the Byzantine model. In this work he maintains the Byzantine pose, but Mary’s hands hold the Christ child on her lap, not pointing to him. She appears to be looking at the viewer. The gold shot drapery is replaced by Mary’s dark blue robe with its many folds. Christ’s yellowish robe has brown folds. Gold is used sparingly on halos and in the heavenly background, perhaps as a cost saving measure. The small size of the work suggests it was a private devotional piece.

The back of the small throne, covered with black and yellow fabric and red designs, is held by two Archangels.  Standing at the right side of the icon is the gray-haired and bearded St Peter, holding the gold keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. John the Baptist, with wild hair and a hair suit, stands at the left of the icon. Cimabue gave John’s face a fierce look. More natural colors for faces and hands are used, poses and proportions are more accurately depicted. Flesh tones were difficult to produce. Several layers of thin tempera paint were applied beginning with green and then covered with red. This combination of paint was used to produce a light brown color, as close to flesh as possible. As a result of many cleanings over the centuries, the greenish tinge has become more pronounced in the subjects’ flesh. Their eyes, noses, and mouths appear skewed because artists had not yet been able to create three-dimensional images.

The painted frame contains chains of white daisies. Traditionally the white daisy is a symbol of the Virgin Mary’s purity, and the “day’s eye” of faith.

“Madonna and Child” (1320-30)

“Madonna and Child” (1320-30) (24”x24’’) was painted by Giotto di Bondone (c.1267-1337). Giotto of Florence was described by his contemporary Giovonni Villani as “the most sovereign master of painting in his time, who drew all his figures and their postures according to nature.” Giorgio Vasari (1511-1547), the first art historian, wrote in Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects (1550) that Giotto invented “the great art of painting as we know it today, introducing the technique of drawing accurately from life, which had been neglected for more than two hundred years.”

A student of Cimabue, Giotto was able to achieve greater realism in his painting. Gentleness of mother and child replaces the earlier imperial image. Drapery folds naturally over their bodies. Shadows are used to define the dimensionality of faces and hands, although definition of muscle is still to be perfected. Giotto has not mastered correct perspective; the positions of the eyes, noses, and mouths are not yet correct. 

Mary looks at the viewer. The Christ child looks at the rose. Mary was called the rose without thorns because of her virginity. The rose was deemed the most beautiful flower in the Garden of Eden and represented God’s love and Christ’s death in order to take away the sins of the world. Mary was believed to have had the knowledge of Christ’s destiny when he was born, as he did. In reaching toward the rose, he accepted his role. 

Comparing the work of Cimabue and Giotto

Both paintings are in the Uffizi museum in Florence. Cimabue’s “Madonna and Child” (1288-1292) (12.6’x7.3’) is on the left, and Giotto’s “Madonna and Child” (1306-1310) (10.8’x6.8’) is on the right. Both were church altarpieces.  Both still contain a golden background, representing the light of Heaven, but the physicality of the    figures in Giotto’s work was a giant step forward in the Italian Renaissance.

“Madonna and Child with Saints Andrew, Benedict, Bernard, Catherine of Alexandria and Angels” (c.1387) (center panel)

 

“Madonna and Child with Saints Andrew, Benedict, Bernard, Catherine of Alexandria and Angels” (c.1387) (central panel, 81”x32”) was painted by Agnolo Gaddi (c.1350-1396). He was the son of Taddeo Gaddi, an important pupil of Giotto. Agnolo was the most popular painter in Florence until the end of the 14th Century. His work takes realism as far as it will go. Both figures look at the viewer with calm expressions. Christ holds on to Mary’s robe with one hand and wraps his arm around her neck. He is not a baby in face or body. Artists could not paint babies until the 15th Century. The belief that Christ was born all-knowing, and physically capable, was often depicted in paintings. Mary holds the child, but she does not present or support him. He stands on his own. One of Gaddi’s best achievements is the well-developed folds of her gown which define her body and give her weight.  

The imperial throne continues to be used as a backdrop. Her feet are placed on steps carpeted in gold. Groups of angels kneel at her feet, and others appear at either side of her throne. The angels do not stand on the ground, but then they can levitate. 

#6 “Madonna and Child with Saints Andrew, Benedict, Bernard, Catherine of Alexandria and Angels” (c.1387) (left and right panels)

The “Madonna and Child with Saint Andrew, Benedict, Bernard, Catherine of Alexandria and Angels” (left and right panels, 78”x32”) demonstrates Gaddi’s abilities to paint figures that have human proportions and mass. Robes flow realistically over their bodies. Each figure has been given a different physical description. Their faces, including the women, appear to be similar. At the left, the elderly St Andrew holds a cross and rope. He was not nailed to the cross but was bound by rope. St Benedict, the father of Western monasteries, holds the Book of St Benedict. At the right, St Bernard of Clairvaux, the Abbot of the Cistercians, holds one of his several writings that revitalized the Cistercian Order. Last is St Catherine of Alexandria, standing on the spiked wheel, symbol of her martyrdom. She holds a Martyr’s palm. Above the saints, angels in a Gothic quatrefoil offer a blessing. Above them in trefoils are Seraphim, the six-winged fiery ones. Seraphim protect the Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, in the trefoil over Mary’s head. The elaborate gilded frame, part of the commission, was designed by the artist and executed by his carpenters.

The thought, attention to detail, and diligence brought to the creation of the work was and remains remarkable. The next step occurred in Florence in c.1415, when architect Filippo Brunelleshi discovered a mathematical system to create a three-dimensional look on a two-dimensional surface.    \

Beverly Hall Smith was a professor of art history for 40 years. Since retiring to Chestertown with her husband Kurt in 2014, she has taught art history classes at WC-ALL and the Institute of Adult Learning, Centreville. An artist, she sometimes exhibits work at River Arts. She also paints sets for the Garfield Theater in Chestertown.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Mr. Arnold Williams, CPA Selected as Board Chair for Qlarant, Inc. By Board of Directors

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The Board of Directors for Qlarant, Inc. have selected Mr. Arnold Williams, CPA as Board Chair. Mr. Williams began his Qlarant board experience when he served on Board, starting in 2022; since then, he has served on the Ethics Committee (4 years), the Governance Committee (4 years) and was Chair of the Pension & Investment Committee (1 year).

Mr. Williams is the Managing Director of Abrams, Foster, Nole & Williams, P.A. (AFNW)—a minority-owned certified public accounting firm that was founded in 1983 with a philosophy of “Quality with Distinction.”

As Managing Director, Mr. Williams is responsible for the professional accounting services delivered by the firm’s experienced team. He also oversees strategic business development efforts and seeks to improve internal controls. Mr. Williams places emphasis on service and maintaining long-term relationships with clients, vendors, and employees.

“I am honored to be elected Chair of the Board of Qlarant and appreciate the confidence of the board members,” said Mr. Williams. “I have high regard and respect of the past Chairs and their contributions, guidance, and accomplishments toward leading Qlarant to the point they are today.”

“The Qlarant board consists of 12 dedicated, smart individuals with diversified backgrounds and talents working collectively and cohesively with management in the pursuit of delivering excellence in the sphere of quality improvement solutions, tools, and strategies”, he continued. “I am extremely impressed and admire the Qlarant management, associates, and staff for their intellect, leadership, innovation, and maintaining consistently the Best Workplace in Maryland and Beyond.”

Mr. Williams has more than 40 years’ experience providing accounting, tax, and consulting services and is particularly focused on tax-exempt and religious organizations. Mr. Williams is a frequent conference speaker for workshops and panel discussions; competent tax advisor and advocate resolving IRS issues, penalties and liens; and knowledgeable advisor to Boards concerning compensation and benefits related to salaries, housing allowances, employee benefits, taxes, etc. He is skilled at structuring investment/financing opportunities to build cash resources and strengthen an organization’s statement of financial position, as well as evaluating cash balances to maximize investment returns.

In a recent Baltimore Sun article titled Baltimore Sun Hall of Fame 2024: Arnold Williams, Williams said “It is important to transfer our learning and encourage more people of color to be business owners [and] employers as we help build the Maryland economy.”

The article went on to describe that “beyond the walls of his firm, Williams has served in several key community positions, including over 25 years — with 16 as chairman — on the board of directors for the Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC), the city’s economic development arm. Williams was originally appointed as chairman by former Baltimore Mayor Kurt Schmoke, who said Williams provided “outstanding leadership” evidenced by the fact that subsequent mayors chose to retain him in that role rather than selecting their own appointees.”

Schmoke said the BDC had faced criticism for focusing too much on downtown revitalization, but the appointment of Williams “sent the right signal that there was going to be a good balance of economic development in the central business district as well as in the neighborhoods.””

Prior to founding AFNW, he was a partner at Taylor, Williams & Associates, PA; an Assistant Legislative Auditor for the General Assembly of Maryland Department of Fiscal Services; a Hospital Cost Reimbursement Analyst at Hospital Cost Analysis Services; and a Cost Accountant at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. He is a 1972 graduate of the University of Baltimore with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting.

“As Qlarant Chair, I will support the current mission and vision and its corporate enterprise goals of increasing revenue, new contracts, and operational efficiency,” said Mr. Williams. “It is my belief that this is the opportune time for Qlarant to increase its position as a national leader in healthcare quality improvement, program integrity, and innovation in addressing fraud, waste, and abuse.”

Mr. Williams’ professional certifications and affiliations include:

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the State of Maryland; Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants – Member; American Institute of Certified Public Accountants – Member; National Association of State Boards of Accountancy – Member; National Association of Black Accountants – Member; The President’s Roundtable, Inc. – Emeritus Member; Baltimore Development Corporation – Past Chairman; Maryland Health & Higher Education Facilities Authority – Chairman; Neighborhood Impact Investment Fund – Chairman; Greater Baltimore Committee – Board Member; Lexington Market, Inc. and Baltimore Public Markets, Inc. – Board Member, Baltimore City Board of Finance – Member

Dr. Ronald Forsythe, Jr, Qlarant CEO, praised the decision to elevate Mr. Williams to Board Chair. “I look forward to continuing to work with Mr. Williams as Chair. His experience and expertise will form the foundation for how Qlarant continues to grow and develop as a national leader as a quality and technology company.”

Mr. Williams lives in Kingsville, Maryland with his wife Virgie and he has one daughter.

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Maryland Caucus with Foxwell and Mitchell: The Fate of Andy Harris and the 1st District in 2026

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Twice a week, Maryland political analysts Len Foxwell and Clayton Mitchell break down the politics and personalities shaping the state and the region on the Spy podcast Maryland Caucus.

This week, Len and Clayton discuss Governor Moore’s Redistricting Advisory Commission recommendations and its “conceptual” map that could bring big changes to the 1st District and incumbent Congressman Andy Harris this year.

This video is approximately ten minutes in length.

 

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The 2028 Election Campaign in Motion by Al Sikes

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Party platforms are worthless—obsolete. What at one point framed at least policy guideposts is a relic. We are now surrounded by declarations and performers. Could Abraham Lincoln, with his awkward appearance, thoughtful meditations, and succinct explanations, be elected in today’s political bazaar?

We also face an overarching puzzle. Can a billionaire who spends most of his time with tech and finance peers understand or care about the wishes and perils of the other classes of human beings? Elon Musk, Jamie Dimon, or Larry Fink (Tesla/SpaceX, JP Morgan-Chase, and BlackRock) have little feel for the masses, but have more than enough money to buy performers.

As those with a sufficient bankroll to reach large audiences begin to analyze the 2028 Presidential take-off, what is ahead for us? Writ large, will the campaigns result in the U.S. being led by a steadier hand? Or, will hard-edged volatility continue to prevail, whether on the Right or Left?

Okay, I concede, my views are, in part, shaped by my wants. I want a return to sanity. I want the re-emergence of anticipation—predictability—making sense.

On the Left I would prefer the abandonment of Utopianism. It is okay to want progress, but the Left has been awash in debt-funded progressivism without connecting the dots. What, it must be asked or at least should be asked, do we get from whatever program at whatever price? And, assuming a willingness on the Left to raise taxes, how much of the resulting revenue should be used to pay down the $38 trillion dollar national debt? Make no mistake, right now we are leaving our descendants with a heavy burden. Is that progress?

On the Right, I would ask what is the Right? Trumpism? Trump now owns the Republican Party, but his actions do not cohere with conservatism. And if your love affair with our would-be tyrant obscures your vision, what about the 2028 election when he will not be on the ballot? If you point to JD Vance, then you have certainly lost me, because I think temperament has become a policy issue and will be pivotal in the next election. Let me explain.

All politicians that deal in “I hate this, oh, and also you” politics will not be able to lead. And if your modus operandi is to raise hell, count a majority of the public out.

Trump began presiding in the White House on January 20, 2025. At that time his approval level was 49%. Now it is 36%. Trump can’t lead; he can just order and then we must wait around to see what the Courts say about the orders legality. But give him this, he has made Congress superfluous. Is that what we want? And he is undermining the Supreme Court by dragging it into controversies that should be decided by the elected.

If our country’s continuing experiment in democracy is to endure, then we must have leaders that can rally majority support. In a 50-50 electoral framework, leadership on serious issues requires persuasion and negotiation, not just declaration.

So who can do that on the Left? Not Gavin Newsom, the expiring Governor of California. Maybe Governor Josh Shapiro, a leader in a 50-50 State, Pennsylvania. Or maybe Kentucky’s Governor, Andy Beshear, who gains majorities in a Republican state.

On the Right. Well it depends on the provocation. Trump is not a conservative—he is way too impulsive. Take the abrupt embrace of tariffs. Is it a policy or a stick to be used on enemies in the moment? What used to be our close ally, Canada, must suffer a stick beating because Trump doesn’t like its leader, Mark Carney? Trump’s tariff maze is definitional—he is once again punishing our ally, South Korea. Is there a strategy to be found in the maze?

Maybe there will be a gender shift. Niki Hailey, who has avoided an anti-Trump stance since losing to him, will have an interesting opportunity. I like Utah’s Republican Governor Spencer Cox, who calls for a reassertion of “virtue” in politics and governance, recalling Benjamin Franklin.

But my only conclusion that I will be willing to bet on is that it will not be Trump 2. Trumpism without Trump is a losing strategy and script.

Al Sikes is the former Chair of the Federal Communications Commission under George H.W. Bush. Al writes on themes from his book, Culture Leads Leaders Follow published by Koehler Books. 

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Ice Storms, Dismal Oyster Market and Frost’s Birches

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Holly berries continue their colorful singing despite this week’s ice. Dennis Forney Photos.

Lots to report here on Grace Creek on this 19-degree January morning, the whole world here, creek to sky, encased in ice.  

Stubborn ice it is, too, given the sub-freezing forecast for the next several days.

Waxy green magnolia leaves gleam and pout in ice, drooping with little of their typical southern swagger. Shimmering holly berries dare icicles to even think about diminishing the joy and sauciness of their brazen red joie de vivre.

Poking along the shoreline, with a walking stick for balance and progging, I search for new patterns of light brought on by this extreme weather.

Grace Creek oyster fleet quiet in January with ice.

Across the creek, graceful boats of tongers and dredgers rest motionless and quiet in the thickening and gripping ice.  The market for this year’s wild oyster season, as noted by many veteran watermen, is the worst they’ve ever seen.  

In the windows of their buyers’ offices, they are too often seeing hand-scrawled NO MARKET TODAY signs. Blame the economy, blame over-supply coming from southern waters, or simply a declining overall taste for the succulent bivalves that have long been a mainstay for the Chesapeake’s winter watermen. Whatever, it’s real, and it’s negative.

Buyer PT Hambleton’s admonition that the only two things a waterman has to worry about are January and February is no truer than this year.  And that despite the high quality, color, and taste of oysters being harvested from local waters in this thickness of winter. They’re yellow and fat and full of flavor.

Ironically, the market has improved in recent days due to the weather.  “That’s because there are fewer people harvesting now,” one waterman told me, on his way to shovel snow and ice off his boat. Lower supply.

Joe Spurry’s Friday night oyster buffets at Chesapeake Landing restaurant west of St. Michaels are one of the few bright spots for this  year’s season. That’s because locals know January and February oysters–shucked on the half shell, fried, stewed, frittered, broiled with butter and garlic, Rockefellered or Casinoed–are the best of the year.

“This year’s overall oyster harvest numbers in the Chesapeake will definitely be down,” he said, “not because there aren’t many oysters out there, but because the market is so soft and there’s fewer days when watermen can sell their catch. I’ve never seen it this bad, and I’ve been at this since the mid-1980s.”

Winter’s natural shoreline architecture.

So get out and help the watermen who enrich our Eastern Shore culture.  Eat some of the best oysters of the year and celebrate artists like Robert Frost, who remind us of the beauty of nature even in the depths of winter.

Seeing ice crusting so many branches put me in mind of Frost’s Birches poem.  It’s too good not to include the whole poem here, especially his sentiments about love, which can warm the heart on even the coldest days in the depth of winter.

Dennis Forney has been a publisher, journalist, and columnist on the Delmarva Peninsula since 1972.  He writes from his home on Grace Creek in Bozman.

Birches
By Robert Frost

When I see birches bend to left and right
Across the lines of straighter darker trees,
I like to think some boy’s been swinging them.
But swinging doesn’t bend them down to stay
As ice-storms do. Often you must have seen them
Loaded with ice a sunny winter morning
After a rain. They click upon themselves
As the breeze rises, and turn many-colored
As the stir cracks and crazes their enamel.
Soon the sun’s warmth makes them shed crystal shells
Shattering and avalanching on the snow-crust—
Such heaps of broken glass to sweep away
You’d think the inner dome of heaven had fallen.
They are dragged to the withered bracken by the load,
And they seem not to break; though once they are bowed
So low for long, they never right themselves:
You may see their trunks arching in the woods
Years afterwards, trailing their leaves on the ground
Like girls on hands and knees that throw their hair
Before them over their heads to dry in the sun.
But I was going to say when Truth broke in
With all her matter-of-fact about the ice-storm
I should prefer to have some boy bend them
As he went out and in to fetch the cows—
Some boy too far from town to learn baseball,
Whose only play was what he found himself,
Summer or winter, and could play alone.
One by one he subdued his father’s trees
By riding them down over and over again
Until he took the stiffness out of them,
And not one but hung limp, not one was left
For him to conquer. He learned all there was
To learn about not launching out too soon
And so not carrying the tree away
Clear to the ground. He always kept his poise
To the top branches, climbing carefully
With the same pains you use to fill a cup
Up to the brim, and even above the brim.
Then he flung outward, feet first, with a swish,
Kicking his way down through the air to the ground.
So was I once myself a swinger of birches.
And so I dream of going back to be.
It’s when I’m weary of considerations,
And life is too much like a pathless wood
Where your face burns and tickles with the cobwebs
Broken across it, and one eye is weeping
From a twig’s having lashed across it open.
I’d like to get away from earth awhile
And then come back to it and begin over.
May no fate willfully misunderstand me
And half grant what I wish and snatch me away
Not to return. Earth’s the right place for love:
I don’t know where it’s likely to go better.
I’d like to go by climbing a birch tree,
And climb black branches up a snow-white trunk
Toward heaven, till the tree could bear no more,
But dipped its top and set me down again.
That would be good both going and coming back.
One could do worse than be a swinger of birches.

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Maryland Caucus with Foxwell and Mitchell: Maryland Politics After Alex Pretti Death

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Every week, Maryland political analysts Len Foxwell and Clayton Mitchell break down the politics and personalities shaping the state and the region on the Spy podcast Maryland Caucus.

This week, Len and Clayton discuss the political impact of the killing of anti-ICE protester Alex Pretti last Saturday by federal agents. This was recorded yesterday morning. They also share their hot takes for the week.

This video is approximately ten minutes in length.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

No Sacrifice—No Sacrifice at All By Maria Grant

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When Donald Trump talks about how much the U.S. has given to Europe and Canada and gotten nothing back in return, he gives the impression that he himself has been generous, even magnanimous, and his generosity has not been reciprocated. Trump’s speech at Davos last week was a complete embarrassment. He never acknowledged the many countries in NATO that supported the U.S. during various conflicts. Or the families who had lost children during those conflicts. In short, he did not acknowledge those who had made the ultimate sacrifice.

The British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called Trump’s comments, “insulting and appalling.” Starmer said he was “not surprised they’ve caused such hurt for the loved ones of those who were killed or injured.” Britain lost 457 service personnel during the war in Afghanistan. 

It got me thinking about exactly what kind of sacrifices Trump himself has made. Let’s not forget that Trump received five deferments during the Vietnam War, including one for bone spurs. He never joined the Peace Corps or VISTA. None of his children served their country, or worked for a nonprofit, or volunteered to help the needy. No sacrifices there.

And it gets worse. In 1988, Trump established the Donald J. Trump Foundation, a New York-based charitable foundation. The foundation was dissolved in 2018 following a New York Attorney General’s investigation that revealed a shocking pattern of illegality, and misuse of funds for personal and business interests. In 2019, Trump was ordered to pay $2 million to eight different charities as part of a settlement regarding the misuse of funds. Eric and Ivanka, who were officers of the foundation, were required to undergo training regarding the duties of officers of charitable organizations. 

I would argue that instead of sacrifice, Trump has ratcheted up the grift machine to line the coffers of the Trump dynasty. 

Since Trump’s reelection in 2024, the Trump family has pocketed more than $1.8 billion in cash and gifts from leveraging the presidency for personal gain, including more than $1.2 billion in crypto gains alone. No sacrifices there. 

And it gets worse. Trump recently pardoned Binance founder Changping Zhao who previously pleaded guilty to failing to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program which allowed money to flow to terrorist cybercriminals and child abusers through the Binance platform. Last year the Trump administration announced that it would deliver hundreds of thousands of advanced AI chips to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). That deal followed a UAE investment in a Trump crypto venture via Binance. (The UAE is expected to deliver those chips to China, thereby circumventing an advanced AI chip embargo.)

At the beginning of his second term, Trump owed nearly $500 million to New York State which had sued him for fraud, and more than $88 million to E. Jean Carroll who had sued him for sexual assault and defamation. (The fraud financial penalty has been revoked, and Trump is appealing the E. Jean Carroll verdict.) 

In summary, thanks to this second term, Trump’s finances have taken a very positive turn. No sacrifices there.

In addition, Trump has capitalized on the whole Mar-a Lago situation. Not that many years ago, initiation fees were about $20,000. After the 2016 election, Trump jacked up the initiation fee to $100,000. Last fall, it was set to rise to $1 million. According to the New York Times, thanks to the presidency, Trumps gains from Mar-a Lago are estimated at $125 million.

Plus, Trump’s namesake, Donald Trump Jr. has co-founded his own private club in DC creatively named The Executive Branch which charges an initiation fee of $500,000. 

Then, of course, there are the profits from the Trump Store and all the tchotchke associated with it. Add to that the $400 million jet that Trump accepted from Qatar and plans to take with him when he leaves office, and the $27 million profit from the Amazon-funded film Melania. 

There has never been a presidency that has sacrificed so little and brazenly profited so much. 

And it gets worse. The Washington Post has reported that many pledged donations that Trump made were not delivered, and his charitable donations had dropped to $0.

Many articles have been written stating that Trump has normalized selfishness. Such selfishness is pretty much the opposite of sacrifice, which is especially galling from a guy who was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. Perhaps that’s why last week’s speech in Switzerland was so difficult to hear from a man who has been given so much and sacrificed so little. 

Abraham Lincoln once said, “There is no success without sacrifice. If you succeed without sacrifice, it is because someone has suffered before you.”  It behooves all of us to remember the sacrifices of those who came before us. Especially if you’re the one occupying the oval office. 

Maria Grant, formerly principal-in-charge of the federal human capital practice of an international consulting firm, now focuses on writing, reading, music, bicycling, and nature.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.